As the UFC gears up for another event in Houston, it presents an opportune moment to reflect on the memorable UFC 166, an iconic night in MMA history that took place on October 19, 2013, at the Toyota Center. With the organization returning to Houston next week, fans are reminded of the dazzling showcase that marked the city’s prominence in the sport.
Headlining UFC 166 was a heavyweight trilogy bout between then-champion Cain Velasquez and former champion Junior dos Santos. Velasquez, riding an impressive 12-1 streak with dominant victories over high-level opponents like Brock Lesnar and Ben Rothwell, was considered a formidable force. On the other side, dos Santos had built a legacy as a knockout artist with wins over notable fighters such as Fabricio Werdum and Frank Mir. Their matchup was charged with anticipation, especially as they had previously split their first two encounters, making this bout a definitive conclusion to their rivalry.
Prior to the fight, Velasquez and dos Santos participated in a local media tour, including a visit to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, a tradition that continues to this day with UFC fighters attending games to promote their upcoming events. The fight itself lived up to its hype; it was an intense, back-and-forth battle that went the full five rounds. Velasquez’s speed and tactical superiority ultimately earned him a clear victory, solidifying his status in the heavyweight division. Despite this triumph, it would mark the beginning of an unfortunate streak of injuries for Velasquez, which led to a significant hiatus from the octagon.
UFC 166 also featured a co-main event that showcased Daniel Cormier, an esteemed American Kickboxing Academy teammate of Velasquez. Cormier faced veteran Roy “Big Country” Nelson and emerged victorious by unanimous decision, further paving his path toward a Hall of Fame career. This event was pivotal for Cormier, who would later become a two-division champion in the UFC.
Another highlight of the night was the fiercely contested match between Gilbert “El Niño” Melendez and Diego Sanchez. The two warriors engaged in a high-octane battle that undoubtedly ranks among the best in lightweight history. Melendez’s victory not only catapulted him into title contention but also added another remarkable chapter to UFC’s legacy of unforgettable fights.
Additionally, the event showcased future stars, including Tony Ferguson, who rebounded from an earlier loss to begin a historic twelve-fight win streak. UFC newcomer Kyoji Horiguchi made his debut and displayed impressive skills that would later earn him recognition as a top contender in the flyweight division.
UFC 166 was notable not only for the action inside the cage but also for its contribution to the growth of the sport in Texas, a state that has hosted countless high-profile events since. The UFC has developed a strong partnership with the Toyota Center, serving as a cornerstone for the promotion’s expansion into the region.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Fight Night event, which will be the UFC’s first visit to Houston since UFC 271 in 2022, fans can look forward to more electrifying moments in the octagon reminiscent of historical nights like UFC 166—a celebration of the thrilling world of mixed martial arts.